Basketball equipment for players and coaches

Padded knee brace or compression sleeve

In basketball, the knees absorb the impacts from rebounds, sudden stops, and falls on the court after contact. Two types meet these needs. The padded knee brace, with thick foam in front of the kneecap, protects against shocks from the floor and from opposing knees, a plus for the big men battling under the basket. The compression sleeve, like the Nike Essential knee sleeve or the Select compression sleeve, wraps around the joint without padding: it keeps the knee warm, provides a feeling of support, and allows complete freedom of movement for guards who frequently change pace.

The rest of the equipment

Basketball equipment also includes:

• Protective gear.
• Bags.
• Accessories.
• Club space.
• Care products.
• Caps.
• Balls.
• Shoes.

Everything you need can be found on the basketball page.

Ball pressure: the role of the pressure gauge

A basketball that is too soft bounces low and tires the wrists while dribbling; too hard, it ricochets off the rim and is hard to control on reception. The pressure gauge Mikasa attaches to the valve with a needle and displays the exact pressure, which should be compared to the value printed near the valve, expressed in pounds per square inch or in bars. The FIBA regulations check the pressure with a rebound test: dropped from about one metre eighty, the ball must bounce back within a defined height range. For a team, all balls are checked before each session, as the pressure decreases in the cold of an unheated gym.

Transporting balls and preparing timeouts

For the coach, the ball bag from Tremblay, designed for fifteen balls, carries a whole team's supply at once between the club house, the minibus, and the gym. The tactical board, either a whiteboard or a hard case, is used to draw up a game plan, a last-minute play, or a zone defence during a timeout, which lasts one minute according to FIBA rules. It outlines a half-court with the key and three-point line, so players can immediately visualise their positions. A compact model fits into the coach’s bag and is also used in training to explain an exercise.

Good deals

Great deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a regular pattern: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

What knee brace size should I choose for basketball?

Measure the knee circumference with the leg slightly bent, at the mid-kneecap, then refer to the manufacturer's sizing guide. A brace that is too tight restricts circulation; if it’s too loose, it slips down to the calf after the first few sprints.

Are sleeves and braces allowed in official matches?

Yes, FIBA rules allow soft knee and arm protection as long as they do not pose any danger. Sleeves must be a single colour, the same for all team players.

How do you wash basketball knee braces?

Wash them by hand or in a washing machine at thirty degrees, in a net, without fabric softener which can alter elasticity. Lay them flat to dry, away from the radiator: heat hardens foams and loosens compression fibres.

What equipment should I prepare to train a youth team?

Plan for one ball per player, appropriate to the category size, a bag to transport them, a pump and a pressure gauge, cones, and a tactical board. Two-colour vests help with training opposition.

How do you inflate a basketball without damaging it?

Moisten the needle, insert it straight into the valve, and inflate with small bursts while monitoring the pressure gauge. An overinflated ball distorts its bladder and seams; if there’s too much air, let a little out through the needle.